DEARBORN — Thanks to the generosity of many humble, benevolent community members, thousands of orphans of war-torn Lebanon have been assured adequate housing and educational services, facilitating an opportunity to reach their full human potential. The cause is one many in the Dearborn area are intensely passionate about. Al Mabarrat Charitable Organization U.S.A. (AMCO) has strived over the past nine years to organize the community’s dedication to the cause of the orphans. AMCO’s mission is to “Provide humanitarian and educational assistance to the orphaned victims of natural disaster, war, and tragedy, primarily in Lebanon.”

AMCO’s annual fundraiser is scheduled for this Saturday, September 12th starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Islamic Center of America, located at 19500 Ford Road in Dearborn. Tickets are still available at the door for $50 a person. Iftar dinner will be served right after a very short program. 100% of the proceeds of the dinner are tax deductible and will benefit the orphans. Tickets and orphan sponsorship information are also available during normal business hours year round at AMCO’s Dearborn headquarters located at 7415 Schaefer Rd. Dearborn or by calling 313.582.5553.

Since it’s founding in the year 2000, the organization has contributed about $1 million a year to the efforts to feed, clothe, house and educate over 4,000 orphans who otherwise may not have any other source of support. Thousands of local individuals and public officials have contributed to the cause including U.S. congressmen, state legislators, and numerous local officials. Community members make general donations, sponsor individual orphans and contribute to the annual fundraiser dinner which usually attracts over 2,000 community members.

AMCO President Haj Mohamed Beydoun said recently “Orphans are arguably the most helpless in a society as they rely solely on the generosity of others for their sustenance. This year, AMCO has rolled out some new marketing tools developed to encourage more community members to give, hopefully increasing the community’s philanthropy despite the severe economic downturn. The organization has established a website that will now allow community members to view the biographies of sponsored orphans and their report cards. The program will allow better interaction and an even greater sense of satisfaction for the donors, encouraging more to give, especially among those who are internet-savvy. The organization has also mounted its first billboard on Greenfield Rd. in Dearborn, a neighborhood dense with its supporters and donors.

AMCO is an American non-profit organization lawfully recognized to conduct operations under section 501(3)(c) of the federal tax code. AMCO has no political or religious affiliations with any organization inside or outside of the U.S. and has been operating transparently since 2000. AMCO’s sole objective is to raise funds for the most helpless in society. Because of its clear mission and trustworthiness, AMCO is the most popular charity in the Dearborn community and enjoys widespread support, attracting nearly 2,000 community members and dignitaries to its annual fundraiser. Its donation boxes are in countless businesses and thousands of homes in Dearborn. The organization expects to accept a tribute from numerous local governments and public officials in recognition of their charitable efforts on this occasion of their annual iftar fundraiser dinner.